Why is Conestoga College offering exit packages?
Conestoga College is taking steps to reduce its workforce by introducing a voluntary exit program for more than half of its full-time faculty. The initiative comes as the school faces declining enrolment and ongoing financial pressures.
Out of approximately 700 full-time faculty members, 373 employees including professors, librarians, and counsellors received the offer. To qualify, employees must have at least two years of service with the college.
What is driving the downsizing?
In a memo shared with staff, the college pointed to a sharp decline in student enrolment. This drop has been linked in part to changes in Canada’s international work permit rules. As a result, the college is undergoing a significant restructuring process that includes program suspensions, reduced student intakes, and workforce reductions.
Leopold Koff, president of OPSEU Local 237, expressed concerns about the programs being targeted. He noted that some, such as health and safety training, remain relevant yet are still on the list for possible cuts, while the trades programs have largely been unaffected. “They’re casting a wide net, hoping attrition will help them cut costs,” he said.
How does an exit package differ from severance?
Exit packages are separate from severance entitlements negotiated in collective agreements. According to the union, this program was designed by the college itself. While not as robust as some faculty would have preferred, Koff acknowledged that it provides at least some option for staff who may be uncertain about their future.
Eligible employees have until October 20 to decide whether to accept the package. Applications will be reviewed and finalized by October 27, with departures set for December 19.
How might this affect students and programs?
The union stressed that while the packages are voluntary, many faculty members feel singled out. Koff warned that if all eligible staff were to leave, it could have a devastating impact on the college and the broader community. The college must also maintain a “critical mass” of instructors to ensure that programs do not collapse entirely.
The offer comes during a province-wide strike by Ontario college support staff, now into its second week. Faculty members emphasized that support staff are essential to their work, highlighting concerns about the combined effect of staffing shortages across all groups.
What’s next for Conestoga College?
The union believes the current situation poses an existential threat to Ontario’s publicly funded college system. With no comment provided by the school, uncertainty remains over how deep the restructuring will go or what the future holds for faculty, students, and the community.
If you’re a faculty member, librarian, or counsellor at Conestoga College facing uncertainty from the voluntary exit program, it’s important to understand the difference between an exit package and severance entitlements.
Unlike severance, which is protected under Ontario employment law and can in some cases extend up to 24 months’ pay depending on factors such as your role, years of service, and age, exit packages are created and controlled by the employer.
At Whitten & Lublin, our employment lawyers help employees review exit and severance offers to ensure they’re receiving fair compensation before making life-changing decisions. If you’ve been approached with an exit package at Conestoga College, we encourage you to seek advice before signing.
Contact us for a confidential consultation online or by calling (416) 640-2667.
